Informa, an British-headquartered international events, digital services and academic research group, has announced that it will be acquiring Ascenital, the owner of Cannes Lions.

Informa, who also has an office in New Delhi, will be paying Ascential 568 pence in cash for each share. The offer values the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Ascential at approximately 1.2 billion on a fully diluted basis. 

The deal includes the sale of WARC, which was acquired by Ascential in 2018.

Stephen A Carter, chief executive, Informa, said, "Informa is in the business of creating, nurturing and growing world class B2B brands. Lions and Money20/20 are outstanding examples of such brands. Combined, we can expand them
into more sectors, accelerate growth and take advantage of new opportunities." Informa has the operating platform and capacity. We have international reach into growth sectors. We have IIRIS, our first party data platform, and we have an understanding of both the fintech and marketing sectors."

He added, "These strengths make us ideally placed to capture the growth and acceleration opportunities available to both Lions and Money20/20."

Philip Thomas, chief executive, Ascential, said, "I am extremely proud of all of Ascential's brands, and the people who work so hard to deliver for them every day. Our two divisions, Lions and Money20/20, have transformed how our customers around the world experience events, and benefit from both digital intelligence and advisory services. The value our businesses bring to their respective industries is clear as is the regard in which they are held by Informa. Informa is a highly respected business, famed for its expertise in B2B events, strong, ethical culture and commitment to innovation. This offer will not only deliver substantial value for our shareholders but also, together with Informa's international footprint and extensive capabilities in data and analytics, will unlock further growth opportunities for our brands and our people."